Cathy and Kenneth Melanson of Emma Jean's Cupcake and Ice Cream Shoppe have purchased the Huttleston House restaurant and plan to open a New York-style deli in the Route 6 building next spring.

The deli will be managed by Jeffrey Antil of the former Antil's Specialty Meats in North Fairhaven.

Antil's Specialty Meats was severely damaged in a fire in August 2011 and subsequently closed in April. Since then, Antil has been working for Kenneth Melanson at the Melanson-owned scallop processer Northern Wind. In October, Antil also began selling his homemade meat items at Emma Jean's.

Cathy Melanson said that when the couple heard the Huttleston House was up for sale, they decided buying the building, which is located next-door to the bakery, would provide the perfect opportunity for their business.

"We've known Jeff for years, and I used to buy things from his market all the time," she said. "After the fire, he would come in here and joke to me that we should talk about pies, and then one day we did."

Antil said he was excited when the Melansons offered him a job to make specialty meats at Emma Jean's, saying "It was right up my alley."

"Even though I was making a living selling seafood, I did miss operating my own deli," he said. "They gave me the opportunity to get my hands and feet wet in what my passion is."

Cathy Melanson said the deli at Huttleston House will operate under a new, yet-to-be determined name but that Antil will sell "all of his old, homemade items" from meat pies to pierogies and more.

Huttleston House had long been a popular family eatery in Fairhaven. The restaurant's owners Michael and Joanne Bobola could not be reached for comment.

Emma Jean's celebrated it's one-year anniversary in October. Since it opened last year, it has been branching out.

The bakery obtained a liquor licence at Town Meeting in May in order to include alcohol in gift baskets.